Sen. Paul Bettencourt

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription from a healthcare provider, under a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services. The order would require pharmacists to follow standardized procedures, provide patients with usage instructions, and submit annual reports on the number of doses dispensed. Pharmacists acting in good faith under this order would be shielded from criminal, civil, or professional liability. This bill specifically applies to ivermectin and does not change prescription requirements for other medications.

Maddy summarySB 5 regulates hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, oils, and topicals containing cannabinoids such as CBD) sold in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain occupational licenses, imposes fees, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. The bill creates criminal penalties for violations and administrative fines, while exempting certain products (like hemp seed oil in food), research activities, low-THC cannabis, and medical prescriptions. These changes directly affect hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors operating in Texas.

Maddy summarySB 12 prohibits Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay organizations that primarily represent local governments and employ lobbyists. The bill specifically bans spending on activities like lobbying state legislators, but allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers or testify without triggering the restriction. Exceptions include associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers, and direct advocacy by employees that doesn’t require lobbyist registration. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover related costs.

Maddy summaryHB 762 limits severance pay for employees and independent contractors working with local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) in Texas. It requires that severance pay from tax funds cannot exceed 20 weeks of the person's regular pay (excluding vacation or PTO) and prohibits payments if termination results from misconduct (including criminal conduct). Local governments must also post all severance agreements on their websites. The law applies to contracts entered into or lawsuits filed on or after September 1, 2025, and excludes public teaching hospitals.

Maddy summarySB 3 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, topicals, or beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids) in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain licenses with $10,000 fees per location, bans manufacturing products with cannabinoids other than CBD or cannabigerol, and mandates product testing before sale. The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations and allows administrative fines. This primarily affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in Texas. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Texas municipal rules for new federally regulated manufactured homes (HUD-code). It requires cities and towns to allow installation in residential areas unless they deny applications in writing within 45 days. Municipalities cannot charge extra fees for transportation/installation beyond actual costs or create zoning barriers that block these homes in residential zones. The law ensures these homes can be placed in at least one residential zoning category without being prohibited across all residential areas. (Effective September 1, 2025)

Maddy summarySB 2206 creates a state franchise tax credit for businesses conducting qualifying research and development (R&D) activities within Texas. It applies to companies that incur R&D expenses attributable to Texas operations, linking the credit to the federal R&D tax credit reported on IRS Form 6765. The bill defines "qualified research expense" as the portion of federal R&D costs tied to Texas activities, excluding non-Texas expenses. This policy change makes Texas R&D more financially accessible by allowing businesses to claim a state tax credit for eligible local expenses, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 974 removes a restriction preventing school district teachers from serving on appraisal review boards, which are local bodies that handle property tax disputes. It amends Texas Tax Code Section 6.412(c) to explicitly state that teachers employed by school districts are eligible for these boards. The bill also creates a criminal offense related to violations of the new eligibility rules (though specific details are not provided in the text). As of June 22, 2025, the bill was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 1883 updates rules for Texas local governments regarding land use planning and development impact fees. It requires cities and counties to make land use assumptions and capital improvement plans publicly available at least 60 days before hearings on these plans. The bill mandates a two-thirds vote for approving impact fees and prohibits increasing those fees for three years after adoption or the last increase. These changes aim to improve transparency and limit frequent fee hikes for new construction projects.

Maddy summarySB 991 expands Texas' definition of "students at risk of dropping out" to include those with chronic absenteeism or truancy. It requires public school districts to collect and report data on these students' attendance patterns, including unexcused absences. This law directly affects Texas public schools and students who miss significant school days without valid reasons. The policy change focuses on improving data tracking for attendance-related risks, without mandating new interventions.